A new mobile telephone app will be launched by Dorset Police next week to support victims of hate crime.

Along with the Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council, the force will unveil the app next Tuesday – aimed at helping vulnerable members of society dealing with the traumatic effects of hate crimes, why it happens, how to report it and where to seek help and support.

Adnan Chaudry, chief executive of Dorset Race Equality Council said: “I am delighted with this great initiative. We know that there is still under-reporting of hate crime on Dorset and this app will make it easier for people to report incidents easily and quickly.”

Hate crime is usually a violent offence in which the victim is targeted because of their perceived membership of a certain social group such as ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion.